Central would use the funding for continued expansion and renovation of the Center for Math, Science and Teaching Excellence. The center focuses on educating students for careers in science and mathematics as well as those who plan to teach science and math in elementary and secondary schools. Programs at the center also will link education majors and teachers to experts around the world as they learn to use the Internet and other types of technological applications. The center also plans to work with local school districts, businesses, government agencies and community groups to help integrate technology into schools.
"Used creatively, technology can make a positive difference in the way educators teach and students learn," Grassley said. "The goal of this center is to give students a strong foundation in science and math by giving the teachers the resources they need to incorporate technology into the classroom."
The $22 million project received $1 million in federal funding last year to help with equipment needs.
Grassley's letter was sent to Sens. Tom Harkin of Iowa and Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, who as chairman and ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education are responsible for drafting the federal government's spending plan for projects related to those areas in the next fiscal year. The appropriations process begins each spring and is typically completed at the end of each congressional session.